SCOG Fields Closure Policy and Procedure

As Of April 10th, 2015

In the event of field closures the SCOG field coordinator

1. Will use the website automatic email feature to send field closure emails to the effected rosters of the teams using the closed field
2. Will use the website field widget that shows the field by field status
3. May use the website "scrolling marque" (aka the banner) on the homepage

The SCOG Field Closure Policy and Procedure is three-fold

1. To promote safe play that will not jeopardize players' safety.
2. To play in conditions that will not result in damage to the fields.
3. To have a policy whereby coaches, parents, players and opposing teams have comfortable notice to get to the game and to plan their day.

Weekday procedure for field closures

1. The Parks & Recreation director will contact the SCOG Field Coordinator, prior to 4:00PM to close the field(s).
2. The SCOG Fields Coordinator will the effected field(s). By closing the field(s) all players and parents will automatically be notified, using their personal settings, via email and/or text message that their Event on that field has been cancelled. Additionally, by closing the field the fields widget, resident on the home page, will indicate the field status of Closed(Red).
3. Additionally, after the end of the last event of the day or the next morning, the SCOG Fields Coordinator will reset the field to Open. The website automatically sets the field status to Check/TBD from Closed after the day is complete.

Weekend procedure for field closures

1. A SCOG Board representative (currently Dan Miller) will walk the fields by 7:00 a.m. and contact the SCOG Field Coordinator, these two individuals together are the decision-makers regarding field closures.
2. Should the fields be questionable for play and the weather forecast calls for continued rain for the majority of the day, they will close the field for the day. By closing the field all players and parents will automatically be notified, using their personal settings, via email and/or text message that their Event on that field has been cancelled. Additionally, by closing the field the fields widget, resident on the home page, will indicate the field status of Closed(Red).
   1. Note to the administrator: To accomplish this task use the website's "Close a Facility" option on the administrators page. Additionally, after the end of the last event of the day or the next morning, reset the field to Open. The website will automatically set the field status to Check/TBD not Open.
3. Should the forecast be questionable, perhaps rain or unplayable field conditions in the morning but conditions may improve, then the morning Events only (those with scheduled with start times before 12:00 p.m.) will be Cancelled. The field will NOT be closed. . By cancelling the Events, all players and parents will automatically be notified, using their personal settings, via email and/or text message that their Event on that field has been cancelled. Additionally, the field status should be set to Check/TBD as a warning to the teams with afternoon Events. The field the fields widget, resident on the home page, will indicate the field status of Check/TBD(Yellow).
   1. A Scrolling Marque Message will be posted on the home page: "All MORNING games are canceled. Fields are closed until 12:00pm. Fields May open for afternoon play. Decision will be made and posted by 10:45am"
   2. Note to the administrator: To accomplish this task use the website's "Master Calendar" option on the administrators page. This is not the "Master Schedule" used by the public. On the Master Calendar page simply check the check box next to all Events that need to be cancelled. Once the proper Events are selected click the "Cancel Selected" button on the bottom of the page. Additionally, after the end of the last event of the day or the next morning, reset the field to Open. The website will automatically set the field status to Check/TBD not Open.
4. The second field closure decision for that day regarding the afternoon games (those with 12:00 p.m. start times and later) will be made by 10:45 a.m.Should the fields be open for afternoon play; a Scrolling Marque Message will be posted on the home page: "Fields will open today at 12:00pm, afternoon games are on!". No notifications will be sent out.
5. Should the fields be closed for afternoon play, a Scrolling Marque Message will be posted on the home page: "All fields are closed for today, games are canceled.". Additionally the SCOG field coordinator will close the field for the day. By closing the field all players and parents will automatically be notified, using their personal settings, via email and/or text message that their Event on that field has been canceled. Additionally, by closing the field the fields widget, resident on the home page, will indicate the field status of Closed(Red).
   1. Note to the administrator: To accomplish this task use the website's "Close a Facility" option on the administrators page. Additionally, after the end of the last event of the day or the next morning, reset the field to Open. The website will automatically set the field status to Check/TBD not Open.

The peak season for severe weather occurs in the United States between May and August, typically in the late afternoon and early evening.

Lightning

(1) Apply the 30-30 rule

When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter. If you can't see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule. Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving shelter.

(2) Know and heed warning systems and community rules. Many communities or park systems have lightning detection and warning systems. Use this information and obey the rules established by the community or park system.

(3) Know and apply the rules or procedures established by the competition authority

(4) Minimize the risk of being struck Referees must protect the safety of all participants by stopping game activities quickly, so that participants and spectators may retire to a safer place before the lightning threat becomes significant.

Remember, if you hear thunder, you are within reach of lightning.